THE FIRST RDF UGANDAN TREK CHALLENGE!
Rwenzori Mountains, 6th to 15th January, 2006

This is Richard Rode. He is going to trek the Rwenzori Circuit, in 10 days. He is doing it to raise considerable amount of money for the Foundation and because it is a challenge. Find out how and why below - or just get your wallets out and sponsor him now!

THE AIM
I wanted to combine fundraising and a trekking challenge in Africa.The Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda appealed as they are glacial above 4,500 m, contain a hut system in a 10 day circular trek and have a unique alpine vegetation with rare wildlife.

The Charity, the Rwenzori Development Foundation is small, registered and focuses on educational and environmental projects run by local people, works in the World Heritage National Park, 100% of donations goes to Uganda - your hard earned money WILL achieve results. Rebels took their land away, give it back to the local people by sponsoring me!

For more information refer to the main RDF website www.rwenzori.org.

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click on the map on the right to see more detail

THE TREKKING PLAN
The challenge is to trek the circuit, walking 5 to 12 hours a day for 10 days. I also aim to climb 3 peaks, the highest is Mount Margherita, 5109 metres. The area is on the Congolese border and is remote. The terrain is difficult, the rainfall over 5 metres, vegetation growth prolific and luxuriant, the highest areas are topped by rock, snow and glaciers. Alpine scale climbing is combined with exotic jungle trekking. This is a major challenge for me. Also I have been stabbed with every jab known to man and God they hurt!

To see the full map of the route click here

The Rwenzori Mountaineering Services with local Bankonjo guides and porters are providing the support, including running the basic huts, camping sites and providing food. See www.traveluganda.co.ug/rwenzorimountaineeringservices/

THE TRAINING
I have gradually built up expertise over the years. In my younger days I trekked in the Hindu Kush and the Himalayas,went on family hillwalking holidays in the Lakes and Scotland. I attended a glacier course in Norway in June 2005 , and a climbing course in the Peaks in September. On a daily basis I run and work outdoors. This month I will be walking in Sardinia to build up stamina.

PROGRESS
Click on 'Check Richard's Progress' for updates on funding, training, progress on the Challenge, final achievements and 2006 projects. I return on January 22nd, 2006.

TARGET
The aim is to raise a minimum of £2000 for projects in 2006 - real, viable, local partners - like refurbishing secondary schools, planting fruit trees, improving soils, draining wetlands - right up my street. I have the opportunity to visit projects.

100% of YOUR HARD EARNED CASH WILL HELP BENEFIT UGANDAN COMMUNITIES.

If it helps I will also suffer! Give generously. You will be able to see where your money has gone throughout 2006 by visiting the RDF site.

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If you'd rather sponsor me in a more traditional way, then please complete and print off this donation form (click here to download the form in .pdf format) and send it along with your cheque made payable to the 'Rwenzori Development Foundation' to Rwenzori Development Foundation, 25 Heber Road, London, NW2 6AB.